Bigblockyeti
Banned
I would be worried about how the crankcase was lubed without having oil suspended in refrigerant flowing through there.
- Thread starter Ryan
- Start date
I would be worried about how the crankcase was lubed without having oil suspended in refrigerant flowing through there.
ziggybyrne
Member
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- Jun 13, 2015
- Messages
- 14
Hi folks,
I just wanted to show you my little air compressor. It is made almost entirely from Australian components. The receiver was manufactured in August 1975 in Sydney. The motor is approximately 1 hp crompton parkinson from the same era. The pump itself is a Clisby 3 cfm@700 rpm. At that speed it purrs like a kitten. As per the nameplate it was manufactured in 1962. See attached sales brochure from the same era. Clisby still sells this nowadays but it’s called series 500. It’s only small but entirely adequate for my needs. Clisby has an interesting history and is still in business making compressors and driers for all types of industry. Harold Clisby was a prolific inventor and is well worth a google.
P.S. Bottom two photos are of a later model Clisby pump that I’ll be cleaning up shortly. As per the first 3 digits on the serial no. it is 8 cfm @900rpm and manufactured in 1986. This model pump was made for perhaps 3 decades. Excellent design.
I just wanted to show you my little air compressor. It is made almost entirely from Australian components. The receiver was manufactured in August 1975 in Sydney. The motor is approximately 1 hp crompton parkinson from the same era. The pump itself is a Clisby 3 cfm@700 rpm. At that speed it purrs like a kitten. As per the nameplate it was manufactured in 1962. See attached sales brochure from the same era. Clisby still sells this nowadays but it’s called series 500. It’s only small but entirely adequate for my needs. Clisby has an interesting history and is still in business making compressors and driers for all types of industry. Harold Clisby was a prolific inventor and is well worth a google.
P.S. Bottom two photos are of a later model Clisby pump that I’ll be cleaning up shortly. As per the first 3 digits on the serial no. it is 8 cfm @900rpm and manufactured in 1986. This model pump was made for perhaps 3 decades. Excellent design.
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ziggybyrne
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- Jun 13, 2015
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- 14
Yes it certainly is quieter than the cheapies. I use an old sock over the air intake to act as a Pre-filter and intake muffler-surprisingly effective!
I have a Sears compressor looks the same as that . probably no more than 1-1/2 HP . but they run quiet and for a lot of what I do it's ample. if I need more air I fire up a bigger one .
I don't have the belt guard anymore, when i got it it was broken so I tossed it.
all I've done to it was flush old oil & crud out of the compressor and fill with new oil, and replaced the belt . I acquired it and it was just a project to see of I could get it running.
MacMcMacmac
Well-known member
If there is a pressure vessel in it it should have the manufacturer's tag with a date on it.
Old Faithful
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- Sep 10, 2015
- Messages
- 82
Ford 302 V8? Ha! First engine I ever took apart to rebuild. Ah... Those were the days... The mechanics teacher was also a DJ and he had the Bee Gees playing in the background from his shagged up van
So if the motor is original I'd say it's from the Disco Era
MDchanic
Well-known member
WHEW! 49 pages.
Alright, I only skimmed them, but still. Wow.
Here's my question:
Does anybody know anything about the United States Air Compressor Co's Model HA?
I've got a guy who wants one out of his barn because it doesn't work well and is in his way.
This machine was running everything, including a sandblast cabinet, in the shop of an elderly gentleman who was a master automotive and aircraft mechanic and machinist, who sadly passed on, and his family members are slowly getting rid of things.
The compressor apparently doesn't make enough pressure. When it runs, I can hear a clicking sound that seems "off," which sounds to me like a malfunctioning valve, but I'm no expert in air compressors.
I would be interested in any information anyone might have about common failure modes, repairs, parts availability, parts diagrams, service manuals, etc.
I've already tried every link I've found suggested on the interwebs and in this thread, and nothing leads to any useful information.
I really like this machine (I think it may be the original paint), and I'd really like to take it home, but I've already got "a considerable amount" of junk, and if this is not fixable and usable, I really don't need another cast iron boat anchor.
Thanks,
- Eric
Alright, I only skimmed them, but still. Wow.
Here's my question:
Does anybody know anything about the United States Air Compressor Co's Model HA?
I've got a guy who wants one out of his barn because it doesn't work well and is in his way.
This machine was running everything, including a sandblast cabinet, in the shop of an elderly gentleman who was a master automotive and aircraft mechanic and machinist, who sadly passed on, and his family members are slowly getting rid of things.
The compressor apparently doesn't make enough pressure. When it runs, I can hear a clicking sound that seems "off," which sounds to me like a malfunctioning valve, but I'm no expert in air compressors.
I would be interested in any information anyone might have about common failure modes, repairs, parts availability, parts diagrams, service manuals, etc.
I've already tried every link I've found suggested on the interwebs and in this thread, and nothing leads to any useful information.
I really like this machine (I think it may be the original paint), and I'd really like to take it home, but I've already got "a considerable amount" of junk, and if this is not fixable and usable, I really don't need another cast iron boat anchor.
Thanks,
- Eric
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1930artdeco
Well-known member
Here is my 2 cents. That compressor is very old due to the sight glass for oil level. That being said, if it was taken care of it will probably be more robust than most compressors made today.
The only thing you may have to worry about is the tank. I took mine to a fire extinguisher place and they pressure tested it and it passed, so now I have a vintage 50's air compressor that works just fine.
As far as the valves go, I rebuilt mine with new springs from McMasterr carr (SP?). grab it, check it out and then use it!
Mike
The only thing you may have to worry about is the tank. I took mine to a fire extinguisher place and they pressure tested it and it passed, so now I have a vintage 50's air compressor that works just fine.
As far as the valves go, I rebuilt mine with new springs from McMasterr carr (SP?). grab it, check it out and then use it!
Mike
MDchanic
Well-known member
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the response (Post number 666, I might add..).
It is definitely an old machine, and I would certainly pressure test it, either myself, or by bringing it to the fire extinguisher place that's a couple of miles away.
The former owner was a good friend of my father's for many years, and my father tells me that he had a great deal of skill with government surplus auctions, back in the "get a Jeep for $75" days, and that he believes that he got the compressor new in a crate from one of those auctions, so it probably has less use and less time on it than you would otherwise expect.
I'm leaning toward picking it up. I'll report back if and when I do and post whatever I find.
Thanks,
- Eric
Thanks for the response (Post number 666, I might add..).
It is definitely an old machine, and I would certainly pressure test it, either myself, or by bringing it to the fire extinguisher place that's a couple of miles away.
The former owner was a good friend of my father's for many years, and my father tells me that he had a great deal of skill with government surplus auctions, back in the "get a Jeep for $75" days, and that he believes that he got the compressor new in a crate from one of those auctions, so it probably has less use and less time on it than you would otherwise expect.
I'm leaning toward picking it up. I'll report back if and when I do and post whatever I find.
Thanks,
- Eric
MDchanic
Well-known member
By the way, I just called the US Air Compressor Co. on the telephone, and the gentleman who answered told me that the company went out of business in 1950 and the current company bought the name, but has no relation and no information about piston air compressors (they handle screw pumps exclusively).
Just a tidbit for anyone else who may read through this thread in the future looking for information on these machines.
- Eric
Just a tidbit for anyone else who may read through this thread in the future looking for information on these machines.
- Eric
diesel_dan
Well-known member
Eric, frankly I'd buy it if it were cheap enough. The oil level in the sight glass is at the bottom, or maybe less inside the crankcase...
Take a chance - it would be a cool compressor if you get it up and running!
Take a chance - it would be a cool compressor if you get it up and running!
Ing3018
Well-known member
Candy apple red paint job on an old Curtis air compressor!
1930artdeco
Well-known member
UPDATE: I end up having to rebuild the electric motor as it started tripping the breaker. I got new valves and intake filters. Now she runs like a champ and takes only about 5 minute or so to fill up.
To me the output tubes to tank seem a bit hot. I know there is the air movement and compressibility thing. But I also found some replacement style springs on Mcmaster-car's site so will rebuild the original valves. The newer valves have smaller air passages than the originals. So that may be adding to the time and heat. But can't wait to start painting and grinding and cutting and just generally not using my angry bee compressor
.
Mike
To me the output tubes to tank seem a bit hot. I know there is the air movement and compressibility thing. But I also found some replacement style springs on Mcmaster-car's site so will rebuild the original valves. The newer valves have smaller air passages than the originals. So that may be adding to the time and heat. But can't wait to start painting and grinding and cutting and just generally not using my angry bee compressor
.Mike
bts
Well-known member
I am glad I came across this post.
I have an early Clisby that I have got running again. With your explanation on dating them I now know its a 1970 model.
It came to me as a bit of a mess. The motor was U/S and the tank I recycled to another use. The compressor was stripped and found to be in good condition. It them spent 7 or 8 years under the bench.
I pulled it out last week after getting another compressor going. Sandblasted, reassembled its now running again. Only a little 1hp motor for testing but its putting out approx 2.2 cfm at 620 rpm. I`ll find a 2hp motor for it and hopefully it will get to its true potential.
By the way nice little single cylinder job. I just mist out on an early model single a coupe of weeks ago. The gentleman who bought it was walking out as I was walking in to a garage sale.
Hope it goes well for the twin you have.
Tony
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bts
Well-known member
Ok while I am here I thought I post this in the hope that someone may know what brand it is.
Single cylinder, open crank case, single sided crank.
With the head the inlet and outlet enter on the same side.
At the base of the barrel their is a ring of ports ( or is that holes). As you turn it over you can see the piston pass from top to bottom.
The piston carries 9 rings. 3 in each grove.
To add a bit more strangeness, the bolt heads and nuts are BSW sizes but the threads are all metric.
There is no oil either, it`s grease feed. There is a grease container mounted on the crack with a screw in cap to force the grease in.
I stripped it down. All looked good so blasted it, painted some parts and reassembled it.
It runs very nicely but is terribly inefficient. Puts out about 1cfm at 780rpm being driven by a 1hp motor.
All in all a bit of a strange one to me. Anyone ever come across something like this?
Tony
Single cylinder, open crank case, single sided crank.
With the head the inlet and outlet enter on the same side.
At the base of the barrel their is a ring of ports ( or is that holes). As you turn it over you can see the piston pass from top to bottom.
The piston carries 9 rings. 3 in each grove.
To add a bit more strangeness, the bolt heads and nuts are BSW sizes but the threads are all metric.
There is no oil either, it`s grease feed. There is a grease container mounted on the crack with a screw in cap to force the grease in.
I stripped it down. All looked good so blasted it, painted some parts and reassembled it.
It runs very nicely but is terribly inefficient. Puts out about 1cfm at 780rpm being driven by a 1hp motor.
All in all a bit of a strange one to me. Anyone ever come across something like this?
Tony
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ziggybyrne
Member
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- Jun 13, 2015
- Messages
- 14
Hi Tony, great to see you’re having fun with Clisby compressors too. I like how they can be picked up really cheap if you’re patient and they are just a fun little project when you’ve got a little time. Regarding the 8 cfm v-twins, I’ve found a 1.5 hp compressor duty motor works great and if you can pick up an old crompton parkinson or Betts or similar it keeps the machine age appropriate. Again quite cheap too. A 2 1/2 inch drive pulley will give you about 900 rpm which I reckon is just right assuming 2800 rpm motor. On the little 3 cfm singles a 1400 rpm 1 hp Motor is the go With a 3 inch drive for 700 rpm. Sweet. My v twin restoration is done and I’m very happy with it. As for cleaning the receiver, I crack the bungs off the ends and pressure clean and treat with rustoleum rust converter. Excellent product. I’ll add that Clisby themselves recommend iso 68 hydraulic fluid as the lubricant of choice. I use penrite indus pro. Enjoy Rowan
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Hi All,
This was my father's 1943 Ingersoll-Rand Model 6R50. The plate shows Corps of engineers U.S. Army Airborne Equipment. Weight is 725lbs and capacity is 55cu.ft/min. It ran before it was put into storage about 15 years ago. Tires still hold air and it has the original air hose. I am having no luck finding anything similar on Google or eBay. Trying to get a ball park idea on what we should be asking for it. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
This was my father's 1943 Ingersoll-Rand Model 6R50. The plate shows Corps of engineers U.S. Army Airborne Equipment. Weight is 725lbs and capacity is 55cu.ft/min. It ran before it was put into storage about 15 years ago. Tires still hold air and it has the original air hose. I am having no luck finding anything similar on Google or eBay. Trying to get a ball park idea on what we should be asking for it. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
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wrenchguy
Well-known member
Awesome! Do not start that wisconsin v4 engine! Oil pan will be sludged up and will not have any oil pressure and ruin it.
Go here for the worlds best vintage engine site. This is the wisconsin engine thread.
https://www.smokstak.com/forum/forums/wisconsin-engines.141/
1 of my sludged up v4 oil pans.
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bts
Well-known member
Great to see the twin up and going. Good job with cleaning and treating the tank. I do like to pressure test mine just to be sure.
With mine whatever motor turns up will go on. I am looking to change one of my 12cfm comps over to a 4 or 5 hp 3 phase to drive it a bit harder so I could end up with a 3 hp single phase on it.
With oil I run 68 in all mine. This is partly because I have 60 lts left over from my hydraulic days but also it was recommended to me by others that have been playing with compressors for a long time.
With the two attachments you posted on the single cyl is it possible to get a higher resolution copy? For me to read they are to blurred after sizing them up.
Tony
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ziggybyrne
Member
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- Jun 13, 2015
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The shots are in pdf format and appear too large to upload? is there another way?
I sourced these from clisby recently and they just emailed them to me.
I sourced these from clisby recently and they just emailed them to me.
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Canuckwoods
Member
Been reading this thread for two days here's my contribution
The lumberyard where I work had some leakage issues with their Compressor at some point the threads between the tube and elbow tube got stripped, every time they tried to fix the issue they made it worse so instead of ordering a new elbow tube they bought a new compressor "because they are sooo much better".
They ask me if I wanted the old one and another in the storage area because they knew I restored old machinery well golly gee I had to say yes.
Here they are in the wild
the Ingersoll Rand T30
the other one in storage is a Brunner.
I'm selling the runner to pay for the restoration of the Ingersoll Rand.
So far I have replaced the motor as the cool original was 3 phase and have replacement elbows ready to install. When they gave me the IR they also included gaskets and reeds so I will check and replace if necessary.
The lumberyard where I work had some leakage issues with their Compressor at some point the threads between the tube and elbow tube got stripped, every time they tried to fix the issue they made it worse so instead of ordering a new elbow tube they bought a new compressor "because they are sooo much better".
They ask me if I wanted the old one and another in the storage area because they knew I restored old machinery well golly gee I had to say yes.
Here they are in the wild
the Ingersoll Rand T30
the other one in storage is a Brunner.
I'm selling the runner to pay for the restoration of the Ingersoll Rand.
So far I have replaced the motor as the cool original was 3 phase and have replacement elbows ready to install. When they gave me the IR they also included gaskets and reeds so I will check and replace if necessary.
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diesel_dan
Well-known member
Both are 2 stage and I have to say the IR is somewhat common... I'd keep them both! Or keep the one that fits your needs best. Don't ask my wife, I have more non-running compressors than ones that do. It's a problem - maybe I need to get into a program...
Oh wait, I'm here... No problem - find and buy more!
Oh wait, I'm here... No problem - find and buy more!
dkmc
Well-known member
redmondjp
Well-known member
I'm in the same boat.
In one of the mower forums that I am on, they have an abbreviation for collecting old 2-cycle Lawn Boy mowers: LBAD - Lawn Boy Addiction Disorder
Works for air compressors too: ACAD
Canuckwoods
Member
The IR is a 242 C5 serial 30t35731
The Tool Tyrant
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Oh man...and here I thought I had a 'problem'
Glad to be a member of the ACAD club! 
...maybe we should start a ACAD thread?MoparsOnly
New member
Hi, I'm new here. I know this Is an old thread. Anyways, I have an old Curtis C96 two stage 5hp pump and, need some help with It. I need to source parts for It. First I'd love to find a new connecting rod. I also need a new hp piston. I found everything else for the rebuild at pacific air comp. I would also love to find a new cylinder but, I think I found a place to get a sleeve. I would appreciate any help with direction of parts sourcing or maybe even someone out there has one of these sitting around. Thank You
dkmc
Well-known member
redmondjp
Well-known member
Edit: just saw your signature line - you already have both a 310 and a 325 and several other Quincys so I am assuming that you know them pretty well already; doesn't it match up with either of them size-wise?
For those who are still learning these pumps, I'll leave my original reply here below:
Not too hard - first, it's a Quincy QR-series pump (the best!) - cast iron, with oil pump and the optional filter too. 100% duty-cycle-rated baby!
Second, it's a two-stage unit because it has the intercooler (the finned tube looped behind the flywheel). That puts it into the 3-series of pumps: 310, 325, 340, 350, 370, 390.
Finally, you look at the dimensions of the pump and external features to narrow it down a bit further. My eyecrometer says that it's probably a 310 or a 325, as the 350 and larger units have more than a single intercooler loop, and the 340 is bigger than the 325.
From my QR25 brochure, the base of the 310 is 21" x 10" and it is 21" high (don't know where they measure this to, as various unloader options on the head can vary in height), while the base of the 325 is 22" x 17" x 25" high. The 340 is 27" x 16" x 30" high.
Weights:
310 - 175lbs.
325 - 255lbs.
340 - 452lbs.
So get out your ruler or your scale and post back with which one it is.
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dkmc
Well-known member
Yes, I am well aware it's a QR series. All I have right now are those pics from an ad on CL. If the pump was in my shop then yes of course I'd compare it to the 310 and 325. The dimensions you list will come in handy if I go have a look at it. With no ROC, parts might be a problem. My main reason for posting was the oddity of the blank spec plate.
But why would anyone be interested in such a filthy heap when new shiny compressors are all over the box stores?
But why would anyone be interested in such a filthy heap when new shiny compressors are all over the box stores?
The Tool Tyrant
ALLIANCE MEMBER
But why would anyone be interested in such a filthy heap when new shiny compressors are all over the box stores?
:
You're a funny guy!
After doing a little detective work, I can tell you that it's a 325 (crankcase part # 5503-001) as far as ROC...that's a tough one. ROC 12 crankcase part # is 5503, ROC 106 crankcase part # is 5503-003. It has to be pre-1990 as the info tag shows 'COLT INDUSTRIES' (yes, the gun maker) which changed it's name to 'COLTEC INDUSTRIES' in May of 1990.
When I did research on the Quincy website, it seems like many of the parts manuals for various ROC are gone.
Now, the question is...when are YOU going to pick it up?
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Bigblockyeti
Banned
If you don't pick it up, let someone on here know. I let go of my 240 as a function of being able to move. When I pieced the compressor together, I lifted the pump onto the 80 gallon vertical tank by hand, alone. Nothing went wrong but it wasn't a good idea, shipping weight according to Quincy is 275lb so I'm sure it was over 250lb without any crating.
dkmc
Well-known member
Thanks for the detective work TT... I will get a look at it, and report back. I like the spin on filter, newer than anything I have here.
don long
Well-known member
I started restoring my old air compressor a few weeks ago and thought I'd post my progress
2020-05-14 11.33.31 by don long, on Flickr
2020-05-14 11.33.42 by don long, on Flickr
I tore the compressor apart and decided to work from the bottom up
2020-05-28 14.31.38 by don long, on Flickr
2020-05-28 17.15.50 by don long, on Flickr
2020-05-28 15.21.22 by don long, on Flickr
So I started by getting a couple of red wood runners and gave then some TLC and poly urethane coating
2020-06-08 17.47.35 by don long, on Flickr
I then went after the tank supports. First a little time in the sand blaster, Then a little grinding to remove all the casting marks and pits before priming them
2020-06-08 18.04.20 by don long, on Flickr
Primer is applied
2020-06-12 15.15.49 by don long, on Flickr
While waiting for primer to dry I took the 4 support legs, sand blasted them and started polishing them up.
2020-06-08 14.12.49 by don long, on Flickr
2020-06-08 16.00.43 by don long, on Flickr
Next the tank needed a lot of attention. first it went to the blast cabin and I blasted it clean then I mounted it on 2 engine stands and started the smoothing process (bondo)
2020-08-28 11.10.49 by don long, on Flickr
After a lot of sanding the tank went into the booth for primer then more sanding
2020-10-20 08.31.34 by don long, on Flickr
2020-05-14 11.33.31 by don long, on Flickr
2020-05-14 11.33.42 by don long, on FlickrI tore the compressor apart and decided to work from the bottom up
2020-05-28 14.31.38 by don long, on Flickr
2020-05-28 17.15.50 by don long, on Flickr
2020-05-28 15.21.22 by don long, on FlickrSo I started by getting a couple of red wood runners and gave then some TLC and poly urethane coating
2020-06-08 17.47.35 by don long, on FlickrI then went after the tank supports. First a little time in the sand blaster, Then a little grinding to remove all the casting marks and pits before priming them
2020-06-08 18.04.20 by don long, on FlickrPrimer is applied
2020-06-12 15.15.49 by don long, on FlickrWhile waiting for primer to dry I took the 4 support legs, sand blasted them and started polishing them up.
2020-06-08 14.12.49 by don long, on Flickr
2020-06-08 16.00.43 by don long, on FlickrNext the tank needed a lot of attention. first it went to the blast cabin and I blasted it clean then I mounted it on 2 engine stands and started the smoothing process (bondo)
2020-08-28 11.10.49 by don long, on FlickrAfter a lot of sanding the tank went into the booth for primer then more sanding
2020-10-20 08.31.34 by don long, on Flickrdon long
Well-known member
With the tank sanded a couple of times it was finally ready for some color so back into the booth again
2020-10-21 16.18.15 by don long, on Flickr
Next in line for attention was the tank top plate. following the same steps as the other parts soon it was ready for some primer and then color (black) and as long as I was spraying black paint I included the tank supports
2020-06-12 15.15.06 by don long, on Flickr
and a second color for effect
2020-10-15 18.06.16 by don long, on Flickr
After some assembly the bottom of the compressor (the tank) is complete.
2020-10-27 12.09.18 by don long, on Flickr
While I work on the motor and compressor I thought I'd send the tank over to my friend for some bling and there is where I'm at with this project
2020-11-25 12.20.58 by don long, on Flickr
.
2020-10-21 16.18.15 by don long, on FlickrNext in line for attention was the tank top plate. following the same steps as the other parts soon it was ready for some primer and then color (black) and as long as I was spraying black paint I included the tank supports
2020-06-12 15.15.06 by don long, on Flickrand a second color for effect
2020-10-15 18.06.16 by don long, on FlickrAfter some assembly the bottom of the compressor (the tank) is complete.
2020-10-27 12.09.18 by don long, on FlickrWhile I work on the motor and compressor I thought I'd send the tank over to my friend for some bling and there is where I'm at with this project
2020-11-25 12.20.58 by don long, on Flickr.
bernietech
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2012
- Messages
- 23
just WOW...can't wait to see the finished pics. What kind of shop do you have, very impressive to say the least...
bernie
bernie
1Garageman
Well-known member
Your "friend" can really do an awesome job! Which I had friends like that!
All, and you did a really nice job also!
All, and you did a really nice job also!